Adoption staff at Essex County Council have been awarded with plaques after been recently awarded Beacon Status.

Lord Hanningfield, leader of the council, made the presentations last month in front of 50 adoption and children's services staff.

Essex was just one of three authorities to be awarded Beacon status for its adoption services, reports the Essex Chronicle.

Six plaques were presented to staff from the central, south, east, west and Family Finders adoption teams.

Beacon status is awarded to councils who perform well in any of 11 different categories. Essex will now demonstrate its methods to other local councils.